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Yamaha MOXF8 Music Production Workstation
Maybe Yamaha customers are dreaming to experience the greatness of the Motif XF. However, not all can afford it. But, you can actually start mastering your skills with its cheaper cousin, Yamaha MOXF8.
Yamaha always surprises its avid users with great things. And, although Yamaha MOXF8 is like a toned-down version of the Motif XF, tradeoffs are not evident. The quality, the features and its amazing versatility are still there, plus more.
Well-Designed and Reliable
One difference of the MOXF8 to the original Motif XF is the build. The expensive Motif keyboards are rigid and durable as it’s wrapped around with steel. While the cheaper alternative is lightweight and more portable as it’s made of plastic.
But, even though it’s plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap, and it’s still very reliable. It weighs around 32.9 lbs, although it is not that light, you’ll able to move it around.
Realistic GHS Keyboard
This production workstation offers 88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard. The weighted keys give you a realistic response of a real acoustic piano. It’s heavier at the lower keys (bass register) and becomes lighter towards the higher keys (treble).
Overwhelming Buttons and Screen Display
You might find the buttons and controls to be easily adjusted and controlled. But, what’s challenging is to really change setting quickly while you play, as there are too many. It takes a lot of time and tons of practice sessions to be able to get acquainted with each one of the dedicated button.
Just to mention a few, you got two faders for the volume control and the DAW control. It has dedicated buttons and knobs to help you adjust the tones, EQ, effect and amp simulators. The octave and transpose also has their own dedicated button.
In addition, you still got a few more buttons for more functionality. You have split and layer modes, enable/disable and select more settings for arpeggios, and a lot more. Each of these has its own button for easy access.
It comes with a monochrome screen that displays important information for faster learning.
Sounding like a Motif XF
There is no ending in comparison here to the most expensive Motif XF. This model is where this workstation keyboard is being based on. In fact, most of its features are found in the Motif XF.
To start with, you got 128-note polyphony and the 8-way Virtual Circuit Modelling (VCM) effects. The former gives you more dynamics and versatility. The latter allows you to layer up to eight musical pieces to create and more complicated, yet, great music.
Innumerable Features and Functionalities
There is no way we can discuss each of the features in details. You can only familiarize and know them as you use and play this workstation keyboard day by day.
However, just to juice up your mind, here are a few functionalities you’ll surely love in Yamaha MOXF8. It comes with the search category mode that allows you to search within the 16 instrument categories and sub-categories. Hence, you don’t need to go through the process of scrolling through each sound.
It comes with the Performance Creator that allows you to easily create layers or split the performances with just a single press of a button. You may begin with a simple sound, then press LAYER button to allow the keyboard to pick the most suitable sound. You can also press the SPLIT button to manipulate the music and make the left hand as bass automatically.
You can also add drums, strings and so much more. This would be very exciting and fun. Though it might be complicated to manipulate at first, with dedication, you’ll surely pull it over.
This features a 4-in-2-out USB audio interface that lets you record its internal sounds with two audio inputs to your computer. Hence, you’ll have a more exciting music output.
Lastly, MOXF8 comes with exciting music production software like MOXF Editor. This feature allows you to edit and customize your music to make it unique to your style and character.
Great for Budget Composers
If you are a looking for an affordable, yet, useful music production workstation, MOXF8 is the one for you. You’ll be able to tap the potential you never ever discovered before. And, with so many useful features, surely, you have several years ahead to make unique music out of it.
Pros
- Sound quality is amazing, it feels full, tight and warm
- Effects seem to be realistic and seem like coming from real instruments
- With top-notch quality and features, since it’s based on the elite MOTIF XF keyboard
- Still got the very useful DAW features
Cons
- Take time to really master all the settings because of the overwhelming number of buttons
Everything is amazing, but…
It’s a great portable keyboard and an absolutely wonderful production workstation. But, for me, it lacks phone integration, unlike the Yamaha P115 digital piano.
This is not a deal breaker, but, I think this would be a better integration that Yamaha will look into. But, it’s what it is. So, you better take my opinion with a pinch of salt.
Verdict
This updated version is indeed featuring more – sounds, effects and versatility. It’s affordable, compatible with other products, and very portable. The Yamaha MOXF8 is complete and has everything you need – play the keyboard, record sounds and make it more unique.
So, is this really for all?
This might be for all, but because of its complicated buttons and settings, it might be very intimidating for beginners. However, for those who are dedicated aspirants, this one should be your working studio. It has everything you need, plus its great versatility and connectivity really makes it a necessity.